“Talking Points” Memo
Features of SirsiDynix: Symphony
SirsiDynix: Symphony is the integrated library system (ILS) that will best serve the needs of our school now and into the future. The SD company has been producing and continually improving library automation software for nearly 30 years. With each iteration of their system, the company is sensitive to a library’s need for the transition to be made smoothly, without interruption of service. Because of this company’s history, its current strength in the market, and the large number of libraries worldwide that choose their products, our investment in this system would continue to be supported for years to come. Below I have outlined the major features of this ILS and highlighted the benefits to our school based on our current perceived usage.
Cataloging:
SirsiDynix StaffWeb has cataloging abilities that support library staff in maintaining title and copy records, to add or maintain title, copy, and MARC record information for a title. It allows for cataloging reports for lost or missing reports, reading programs, and shelf lists (www.sirsidynix.com/Resources/Pdfs/Solutions/Products/StaffWeb.pdf)
Horizon Information Portal supports supplemental catalog content like book review and cover art. (Hadro, November 2008)
Circulation:
SirsiDynix PocketCirc is a wireless handheld device that allows library staff to conduct daily circulation procedures and inventory projects both online and offline – all without having to be at a desktop workstation (www.sirsidynix.com/Resources/Pdfs/Solutions/Products/PocketCirc.pdf).
SirsiDynix StaffWeb has circulation abilities to support library staff in checking copies in and out, screening the status of copies, placing holds, maintaining and screening patron accounts, and adding short title records. The StaffWeb allows for the following circulation reports: copies on loan, copies on hold, copy status, copies in transit, fine list, and overdue list (www.sirsidynix.com/Resources/Pdfs/Solutions/Products/StaffWeb.pdf).
Reports:
The SirsiDynix system’s ability to generate reports is extremely powerful and yet particularly easy to use. The system comes with more than 600 standard reports and utilities (http://www.sirsidynix.com/Resources/Pdfs/Solutions/Products/Symphony_Overview.pdf), and allows the customization of reports to reflect the individual needs of our school. The information we would receive from these reports would become highly effective decision making tools. A brief overview of the types of reports includes:
Collection analyses
Determine if the library holdings support the curriculum of the school
Periodically determine the age of the collection
Serials collection evaluation
Acquisitions budget
Determine at any point in time the state of the budget
Circulation
Determine usage of the collection, including overall numbers and statistics for particular subject areas
Patrons:
SirsiDynix Symphony, with the assistance of the PocketCirc, benefits out patrons when network problems or power outages occur by allowing new users to be registered on the spot and library staff to continue helping patrons. Circulation tasks can be completed in offline mode and uploaded at a later time. This device also allows patrons to be assisted in finding materials and then receive on-the-spot checkout (www.sirsidynix.com/Resources/Pdfs/Solutions/Products/PocketCirc.pdf).
Enterprise Portal Solutions: EPS allow libraries to collect, connect, and present high quality information to the patron through a federated search using a web browser interface. Libraries can build rooms to include resources such as ebooks, videos, photos, virtual reference tools, websites, and local info all in one "room" or web page.
IBistro - provides an easy window interface and remote access to library resources.
Chilifresh - A partner with SirsiDynix, giving users the ability to read and input reviews and ratings as an aggregator review service. Chilifresh allows libraries to post patron reviews according to geographic region and gives libraries the ability to display this information from other participating libraries (Hadro, 2009).
URSA - Univeral Resource Sharing Application that allows patrons to place their own request from any web browser any time, search virtual catalogs using Z39.50, view current status, cancel and renew requests, and register automatically at reciprocal borrowing libraries being authentcicated using local library patron record data.(http://www.sirsidynix.com/Solutions/Products/resourcesharing.php)
Self-Checkout RFID: 3M, ITG, and Onestop partners offer various models of self-checkout stations.
Other notable features: SirsiDynix revealed its plans to embed a complete social network directly in a library's catalog. It will use the ChiliFresh Review Engine to embed patron-written book reviews directly into catalog records and will incorporate a number of social networking features like “profiles, content lists, chat and messaging options, and forums for book discussions.” The Bookshelf will be the core of these features and users will be able to gather and make reviews on favorite works in this area. Recommendations from materials added to the Bookshelf as well as suggestions from friends and other users with related interests will be another feature that will be available. http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6625166.html
The statewide library network in Ohio, INFOhio, and SirsiDynix launched a new learning site with an assortment of resources. All of these resources are available from one single portal. The name of this site is SchoolRooms, which has 70 rooms full of educational material where students can find information on almost any topic they are looking for. Teachers, students, and even parents have access to these rooms. Every INFOhio automated school has access to this portal. http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6617677.html
Features of SirsiDynix: Symphony
SirsiDynix: Symphony is the integrated library system (ILS) that will best serve the needs of our school now and into the future. The SD company has been producing and continually improving library automation software for nearly 30 years. With each iteration of their system, the company is sensitive to a library’s need for the transition to be made smoothly, without interruption of service. Because of this company’s history, its current strength in the market, and the large number of libraries worldwide that choose their products, our investment in this system would continue to be supported for years to come. Below I have outlined the major features of this ILS and highlighted the benefits to our school based on our current perceived usage.
Cataloging:
SirsiDynix StaffWeb has cataloging abilities that support library staff in maintaining title and copy records, to add or maintain title, copy, and MARC record information for a title. It allows for cataloging reports for lost or missing reports, reading programs, and shelf lists (www.sirsidynix.com/Resources/Pdfs/Solutions/Products/StaffWeb.pdf)Circulation:
SirsiDynix PocketCirc is a wireless handheld device that allows library staff to conduct daily circulation procedures and inventory projects both online and offline – all without having to be at a desktop workstation (www.sirsidynix.com/Resources/Pdfs/Solutions/Products/PocketCirc.pdf).
SirsiDynix StaffWeb has circulation abilities to support library staff in checking copies in and out, screening the status of copies, placing holds, maintaining and screening patron accounts, and adding short title records. The StaffWeb allows for the following circulation reports: copies on loan, copies on hold, copy status, copies in transit, fine list, and overdue list (www.sirsidynix.com/Resources/Pdfs/Solutions/Products/StaffWeb.pdf).
Reports:
The SirsiDynix system’s ability to generate reports is extremely powerful and yet particularly easy to use. The system comes with more than 600 standard reports and utilities (http://www.sirsidynix.com/Resources/Pdfs/Solutions/Products/Symphony_Overview.pdf), and allows the customization of reports to reflect the individual needs of our school. The information we would receive from these reports would become highly effective decision making tools. A brief overview of the types of reports includes:
Patrons:
SirsiDynix Symphony, with the assistance of the PocketCirc, benefits out patrons when network problems or power outages occur by allowing new users to be registered on the spot and library staff to continue helping patrons. Circulation tasks can be completed in offline mode and uploaded at a later time. This device also allows patrons to be assisted in finding materials and then receive on-the-spot checkout (www.sirsidynix.com/Resources/Pdfs/Solutions/Products/PocketCirc.pdf).
Other notable features:
SirsiDynix revealed its plans to embed a complete social network directly in a library's catalog. It will use the ChiliFresh Review Engine to embed patron-written book reviews directly into catalog records and will incorporate a number of social networking features like “profiles, content lists, chat and messaging options, and forums for book discussions.” The Bookshelf will be the core of these features and users will be able to gather and make reviews on favorite works in this area. Recommendations from materials added to the Bookshelf as well as suggestions from friends and other users with related interests will be another feature that will be available.
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6625166.html
The statewide library network in Ohio, INFOhio, and SirsiDynix launched a new learning site with an assortment of resources. All of these resources are available from one single portal. The name of this site is SchoolRooms, which has 70 rooms full of educational material where students can find information on almost any topic they are looking for. Teachers, students, and even parents have access to these rooms. Every INFOhio automated school has access to this portal. http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6617677.html
References
Abram, S. (2009, February 23). Measuring libraries. Stephen's Lighthouse [Blog]. Retrieved July 2, 2009 from http://stephenslighthouse.sirsidynix.com/archives/2009/02/measuring_libra.html
Hadro, J. (2009, January). SirsiDynix Adds Chilifresh Engine. Library Journal, 2009 (issue 1). Retrieved June 30, 2009, from http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6625166.html
Hadro, J. (2008, October 15). Director's station for usage stats. Library Journal. Retrieved July 2, 2009, from http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6602837.html?industryid=47125
Hadro, J. (2008, November 1). Updates emerge from SirsiDynix. Library Journal. Retrieved July 2, 2009 from http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6606474.html?industryid=47125
SirsiDynix. (2007, June 23). SirsiDynix introduces SirsiDynix Symphony as new integrated library system. Retrieved July 2, 2009, from Library Technology Guides: http://www.librarytechnology.org/ltg-displayarticle.pl?RC=12619
SirsiDynix (2008, December 2). SirsiDynix StaffWeb brochure. Retrieved July 6, 2009, from www.sirsidynix.com/Resources/Pdfs/Solutions/Products/StaffWeb.pdf
SirsiDynix (n.d.). SirsiDynix PocketCirc. Retrieved June 29, 2009, from www.sirsidynix.com/Resources/Pdfs/Solutions/Products/PocketCirc.pdf